Healing Cracked Fingers

by: Peter Friswell

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Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2010 Time: 3:47 AM - 0 comments

Every day, people are searching for the perfect solution to heal cracked fingers. Dry, sore and cracked skin on the fingertips is a painful and debilitating condition. It can turn even simple daily chores into dreaded tasks. However, it is also a condition that can be easily addressed.

Dry, sore and cracked skin is not a condition with a single cause.

Symptoms of dry, cracked and flaky skin may be an indication of an underlying medical condition. Eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections and dermatitis can all present in this way.

If a person's immune system overreacts to allergens then that can upset the normal functioning of the epidermis. In these instances, genetic inheritance may play a part and there is often a trigger that results in a skin flare-up.

Often, medical diagnosis is difficult.

Alternatively, dry and chapped skin may simply be indicative of exposure to one or more of the many potential irritants that commonly surround everyone in their normal everyday environment.

Routine working in and around the home will expose your skin to many possible contaminants. Cleaning, cooking, DIY and gardening, all involve skin contact with known irritants.

Any itchy skin condition is also likely to react badly to constant or regular wetness. This is because repeated wetting and drying breaks down the skin's outer, protective, top layer.

Working outside is another contributory hazard. Drying winds, especially the cold winds of winter, can aggravate any existing dermatitis.

Perfumes and preservatives that are added to cleansing products often add to dermatitis symptoms.

Whatever the cause of your skin problems, the National Eczema Association recommends taking prompt action to rectify the situation.

If you show early signs of dermatitis or eczema and ignore it then the condition is only likely to get worse. This is especially true if it affects your hands as the skin on your palms and fingers receives constant use and abrasion throughout the day.

Itchy flaky skin will lead to scratching, which in turn can lead to a thickening and hardening of the epidermis. Inflammation and, ultimately, cracked fingers is the consequence.

Keeping your skin supple and healthy cannot only prevent dermatitis occurring in the first place, but it is also an essential aspect of its on-going treatment. Using a top quality moisturising and skin protection cream will aid your body's natural protective qualities.

When choosing your moisturiser and barrier cream products remember to follow a few simple guidelines:

Avoid those with fragrances. Look for those that are water based. The product should be wash resistant. After application, the lotion should not feel sticky. Choose one that allows your skin to breath naturally.

Many brands are available, but whichever you choose, always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

In conjunction with moisturising, your daily skin care routine should include:

Ensuring your hands are completely dry after washing - gentle blotting with a towel is better than rubbing to dry the skin. Waterproof gloves should not be worn for more than twenty minutes at a time - avoid rubber gloves altogether as these can cause allergies. Remove rings when washing - often rings can trap irritants underneath them. Remove and clean your rings regularly - soaking in a solution of one tablespoon of ammonia in a pint of water overnight is ideal.

Should your symptoms persist, seek the advice of your doctor.